The annual Spanish Liga awards ceremony, held in Madrid, once again placed the spotlight on the two giants of world football: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The event, organized by the Liga de Fútbol Profesional (LFP) in conjunction with the newspaper Marca, honored the standout performers from the 2012-2013 season, a campaign that saw FC Barcelona reclaim the league title while Real Madrid finished second.
Ronaldo's Double Triumph
Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese forward for Real Madrid, was the recipient of two major awards. He received the LFP's "Premio Especial al Mejor Jugador" (Special MVP Award), a tribute to his exceptional performances throughout the previous season. Additionally, he was awarded the "Trofeo Di Stefano," named after the legendary Alfredo Di Stefano and given by Marca to the best player in La Liga. Ronaldo's 34 goals in the league last season were instrumental in keeping Real Madrid competitive, although they ultimately fell short of Barcelona in the title race.
Speaking at the gala, the 28-year-old expressed his gratitude and determination: "I want to continue like this and try to win more titles, both collectively and individually." His comments reflect a relentless drive that has defined his career since his move to Spain in 2009. The Di Stefano Trophy, in particular, holds special significance, as it was presented to him by the man himself, Alfredo Di Stefano, the honorary president of Real Madrid and one of the club's greatest icons.
Messi's Hat-Trick of Honors
Lionel Messi, the Argentine magician of Barcelona, was not to be outdone. He won three key awards from the LFP: Best Player, Best Forward, and the Marca-awarded Pichichi Trophy for being the league's top scorer. Messi netted an astonishing 46 goals in 32 appearances last season, breaking records and leading his team to the championship. His form was so dominant that he set a new personal best for goals in a single La Liga campaign.
In a recorded message, Messi, who is currently injured and recovering in Argentina, said, "It is a great pride to have been named Best Player. I am very grateful for this award." His absence from the ceremony was noted, but his achievements spoke volumes. Messi's consistency over the years has made him a perennial contender for the sport's highest individual prizes, and his 2012-2013 season was no exception.
A Season of Records and Rivalry
The 2012-2013 season was defined by the relentless competition between Ronaldo and Messi. While Messi's Barcelona won the league, Ronaldo's individual brilliance kept Real Madrid in contention until the final weeks. The Portuguese star scored 34 goals in 34 league games, while Messi's 46 came from 32 matches, including a hat-trick against Granada that moved him past Gerd Müller's all-time record for goals in a calendar year.
Ronaldo, however, enjoyed what he himself described as his best start to a season. After the awards, he reflected on his form: "I am in a good period; I believe this is the best start to a season of my career. But I think I have also been at a very high level in recent years. The secret to success is to work, be focused in training and in matches. Always work hard." His early-season tally of 17 goals in La Liga and 8 in the Champions League, plus a decisive hat-trick against Sweden to secure Portugal's place at the 2014 World Cup, justified his claim.
Injuries briefly interrupted Ronaldo's momentum — a minor thigh strain forced him to miss two games for Real Madrid in late November. But by the time of the awards, he confirmed he was fully fit: "I no longer have an injury." This health boost is crucial as the Ballon d'Or announcement approaches.
Ballon d'Or Favorites
Ronaldo and Messi, along with Bayern Munich's Franck Ribéry, are widely considered the frontrunners for the 2013 Ballon d'Or. The three finalists will be announced on December 9, with the winner revealed on January 13 in Zurich. Ronaldo, who won the award in 2008, has been in sensational form, while Messi, a four-time winner, remains the benchmark for consistency and brilliance. Ribéry's treble-winning season with Bayern adds a compelling narrative, but the individual statistics of Ronaldo and Messi make them the heavy favorites.
The rivalry between the two superstars has lifted Spanish football to unprecedented heights. Their battles have produced some of the most memorable moments in La Liga history, from El Clásico showdowns to record-breaking goal tallies. Both players have consistently pushed each other to new levels, and the awards ceremony was another chapter in their storied contest.
Other Winners: Simeone, Vilanova, and Courtois
The ceremony also recognized achievements beyond the top two stars. Diego Simeone, the manager of Atlético Madrid, was named Best Coach by the LFP after leading his team to the Copa del Rey title and a third-place finish in La Liga. His disciplined, high-intensity style transformed Atlético into a formidable force, and the award acknowledged his tactical acumen.
Meanwhile, Tito Vilanova, the former Barcelona coach who guided the club to the league championship while battling salivary gland cancer, was named Best Coach by Marca. Vilanova's personal struggle and professional success touched the football world. He stepped down in the summer of 2013 to focus on his health, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and achievement.
Another standout was Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, then on loan at Atlético Madrid from Chelsea. Courtois was a colossus between the posts, conceding just 31 goals in 37 league games — the best defensive record in La Liga. He won both the Zamora Trophy (awarded by Marca to the goalkeeper with the best goals-to-games ratio) and the LFP's Best Goalkeeper award. His performances were critical to Atlético's success and marked him as one of the world's most promising young goalkeepers.
Historical Context of the Awards
The LFP awards, introduced in 2008, aim to recognize the best performers in Spanish football each season. The Special MVP award, created to honor extraordinary careers, has been won by players like Ronaldo, Messi, and Xavi. The Di Stefano Trophy, established by Marca in 2007, is voted for by readers and journalists and carries the prestige of its legendary namesake. Alfredo Di Stefano, who passed away in 2014, was a monumental figure in Real Madrid's history, and the trophy is among the most coveted individual honors in La Liga.
The Pichichi Trophy, named after Athletic Bilbao striker Rafael "Pichichi" Moreno, is the official award for the league's top scorer. Messi's fourth Pichichi win tied him with players like Telmo Zarra and Hugo Sánchez. The Zamora Trophy, named after goalkeeper Ricardo Zamora, rewards the best defensive record. Courtois's victory marked the first time a Belgian had won the award, highlighting the growing international influence in La Liga.
Career Highlights and Future Implications
For Ronaldo, the 2012-2013 season was another in a string of high-octane campaigns. He arrived at Real Madrid in 2009 for a then-world record fee of £80 million and has since scored over 300 goals for the club. His physical prowess, deadly finishing, and ability to perform in pressure situations have made him a legend at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Special MVP award and Di Stefano Trophy add to his collection, which includes multiple league titles, Champions League wins, and individual honors.
Messi, meanwhile, continues to defy expectations. His 46-goal season came at a time when many questioned whether he could sustain his unbelievable form after breaking Gerd Müller's calendar-year record in 2012. He responded with another masterful campaign, leading Barcelona to the title and winning his fourth consecutive Best Player award from the LFP. His ability to weave through defenses and score with both feet makes him arguably the most complete attacking player in history.
The awards also set the stage for the Ballon d'Or decision. If history is any guide, the winner will likely come from this duo. Messi has won the last four Ballons d'Or, but Ronaldo's extraordinary start to the 2013-2014 season — including a World Cup qualification hat-trick — has swung momentum in his favor. The football world now waits anxiously for December's announcement.
Beyond the individual accolades, the ceremony celebrated the depth of talent in Spanish football. Players like Courtois, defenders such as Sergio Ramos and Gerard Piqué, and midfield maestros like Andrés Iniesta received recognition, though the focus remained on the main protagonists. The evening was a testament to the quality of La Liga, which continues to attract the world's best players.
As the season progresses, both Ronaldo and Messi will aim to maintain their form. Ronaldo's Real Madrid are competing on multiple fronts, while Messi's Barcelona are adapting to life under new coach Tata Martino. The rivalry shows no signs of fading, and if their performances are any indication, future awards ceremonies will continue to be dominated by these two exceptional athletes.
Source: RTBF News